Voice:

Reproduction and Life Cycle:

Pairs, which are monogamous, breed in March and again in May-July. They begin by establishing a breeding territory and exchanging songs.

Females build a small, cup-shaped nest in a dense shrub, small tree or tangle of vines. They lay 3-4 eggs, usually two times per year.

While the female incubates the eggs for about two weeks, the male aggressively guards the nest. Cardinals defend their territory so well that they will attack their own reflection in windows, mirrors and other shiny surfaces.

Newly hatched cardinal young are extremely immature and vulnerable: they cannot move, their eyes are closed and they have no down. They require intense care from both parents for about 10 days after hatching. After that time, they are able to leave the nest.

As young male cardinals develop their brilliant red color, the male parent usually expels them from the nest.